Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) 487 Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) Director: El Hajj Fuleihan, Ghada Summer Program Director: Habib, Robert H. Executive Committee: Habib, Robert; Houalla, Nahla; Huijer Abu-Saad, Huda; Sibai, Abla Background The Scholars in HeAlth Research Program is a joint FM and FHS graduate program that consists of a 12-credit summer certificate as well as a 40-credit master s degree. The summer program and the MS degree are open to graduates of health fields. Social scientists and humanities graduates interested in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) can also enroll in the program, provided they fulfill admission and selection criteria and have the necessary background to follow-up the course curriculum. Credits earned for the SHARP certificate are credited towards the Master of Science in Health Research requirements. These credits can also be credited in full or partly towards other post-graduate degrees at FM, FHS, FAFS, or HSON and possibly at other institutions. SHARP provides graduates with the required foundation to pursue a career in clinical and translational research. Although focused on NCD, a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the region, the garnered skills are applicable to other areas of clinical research. The Program will help create and sustain a cadre of highly trained researchers who will conduct patientoriented and population-oriented studies on NCD. It will also equip trainees with management and leadership skills needed to become change agents and lead research groups, academic departments, or other health care settings. Management and leadership courses are offered in collaboration with faculty at the Olayan School of Business. Mission The Mission of the Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) is To provide superior didactic education complemented with state-of-theart interactive and practical training in health research, with a focus on Non-Communicable Diseases research. It is intended for physicians and other health care professionals, to improve and advance the health care agenda for Non-Communicable Diseases in Lebanon and the region. SHARP Summer Certificate Program Curriculum The SHARP summer session is a 12-credit module that provides the essential foundations in quantitative methods and fundamental skills to conduct research. The core disciplines include epidemiology, biostatistics, research ethics, and library sciences/informatics. These are complemented with a practical hands-on training course in the analysis and reporting of large health-related datasets in NCD.
488 Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) SHARP Master of Science in Health Research Admission to the Program Normally, the application deadline for both the summer certificate and the MS degree is in February, and the acceptance deadline is in April. The summer certificate is a prerequisite for the MS program, and performance in summer is evaluated to ensure the candidate is suitable for continuing towards a master s degree. Students should apply in the spring semester directly preceding the summer certificate program and are accepted as prospective students, to be confirmed as regular students, upon successful completion of the summer certificate program (minimum GPA of 80 over 100). The Program begins the following June with summer courses and then is followed by a 1-2 year MS track that begins in September. The one year program is approved by the Lebanese Ministry of Education for medical doctors only. For more detail, please refer to the Admissions section of the AUB graduate catalogue (page 30). Criteria for Admission All applicants to the SHARP summer certificate program and the Master of Science in Health Research must satisfy the criteria established at AUB for enrollment into a Master degree Program, namely the English Language Proficiency Requirement (see page 34 of this catalogue) and a minimum degree of BS with a minimum average of 80 or its equivalent. Social scientists and humanities graduates interested in NCD can also enroll into the Program, provided they fulfill admission and selection criteria and have the necessary background to follow-up the course curriculum. In addition, applicants should express/demonstrate commitment to a career in NCD research in the statement of purpose submitted along with their application. Applications for the Summer program are reviewed by the SHARP executive committee. Applications for the MS program will be reviewed by the Graduate Studies committees from FHS and FM. The Application Process An applicant is considered for admission to the SHARP summer program and the MS program if s/he meets the following minimum admission requirements: an undergraduate cumulative average of at least 80 (or standardized equivalent from other institutions of higher learning) leading to a bachelor s degree or its equivalent from recognized institutions of higher learning, at least two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose (500-word limit) indicating the purpose for applying to the program and specifying the applicant s research interests and/or practical experience. Applicants to any graduate program, other than AUB graduates and graduates of recognized colleges or universities in North America, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. See Admissions section in this catalogue (page 34). Graduation Requirements See General University Academic Information in this catalogue (page 58)
Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) 489 Incompletes See General University Academic Information in this catalogue (page 50) Probation See General University Academic Information in this catalogue (page 51). Program Outline The 40-credit master s degree requirements can be completed over one full-time (available to Doctor of Medicine graduates only) or two part-time years. The total number of allowed credits per semester is 16 unless otherwise approved by the Graduate Studies Committee at the Faculty of Medicine. The degree consists of the 12-credit summer program in addition to 15 credits in required courses, the 4-credit Longitudinal Seminar series spanning the Fall-Spring academic year, 3 credits of electives, and 6 credits for the thesis. The thesis is a mentored research project culminating in the completion of a project revolving around Non-Communicable Diseases. In compliance with AUB requirements, scholars must also sit for a 0-credit comprehensive exam (pass/fail) during their last semester. Program Delivery The 40-credit program is divided as indicated below: Intensive Introductory Summer Certificate Program This seven-week program (June July) consists of five courses Biostatistics (4 cr.), Principles of Epidemiology (5 cr.), Introduction to Research Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research (1 cr.), Analysis and Reporting of Large Clinical Datasets (2 cr.), and Library Science/Informatics (0 cr.). These courses are comprised of didactic lectures, faculty-facilitated discussion groups, labs, workshops, and group projects. The courses in epidemiology and biostatistics are held in conjunction with the Faculty of Health Sciences, while the Introduction to Research Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research is held in conjunction with the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Courses and Longitudinal Clinical Research Seminar Series Students are required to take a total of 15 credits in required courses and 3 credits of elective courses and to participate in a 4-credit weekly longitudinal seminar course within a format that allows for interdisciplinary thought and interaction among academics, scientists, and government officials via various teaching modalities (e.g., lecture, case study, student-led presentations). Thesis Each student is required to select a clinical research project and mentor(s). A guiding principle for an acceptable thesis proposal will be novelty and publication potential of the proposed NCD-related research upon completion. For those pursuing the 2-year track, the research project typically begins in the Spring semester of the student s first year and culminates in a thesis document and oral thesis defense delivered before the end of the second year. For those choosing the 1-year track, the process should begin early in the Fall semester and end in the Spring semester of the same year. All projects are supervised by a thesis committee (see page 54 of this catalogue).
490 Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) Tracks Master of Science: 1-Year Program Summer- 12 credits Course title Faculty Credits Epidemiology SHARP 300/320 SHARP 5 credits Biostatistics SHARP 310 SHARP 4 credits Research Ethics SHARP 315 SHARP 1 credit Large Datasets I SHARP 330 SHARP 2 credits Library Science /Informatics SHARP 325 SHARP 0 credits Fall 17 credits Course title Faculty Credits Clinical Trial Protocol SHARP 321A SHARP 2 credits Design and Analysis of Clinical EPHD 321 FHS 2 credits Trials Advances in NCD Research SHARP 340 SHARP 2 credits Leadership and Behavior in MNGT 306 OSB 3 credits Organizations Thesis SHARP 400 SHARP 6 credits LSS I SHARP 350A SHARP 2 credits Spring 11 credits Course title Faculty Credits Systematic Review and Metaanalysis EPHD 328 FHS 3 credits Policy and Decision Making in HMPD 318 FHS 3 credits Healthcare LSS II SHARP 350B SHARP 2 credits Comprehensive Examination SHARP 395A/395B - 0 credits Elective I - - * Elective II - - * Thesis SHARP 400A SHARP 0 credits * MS students are required to take a total of 3 credits as electives. They may take one course for 3 credits, or two courses for 1 credit and 2 credits each.
Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) 491 Master of Science: 2-Year Program 1 Summer- 12 credits Course title Faculty Credits Epidemiology SHARP 300/320 SHARP 5 credits Biostatistics SHARP 310 SHARP 4 credits Research Ethics SHARP 315 SHARP 1 credit Large Datasets I SHARP 330 SHARP 2 credits Library Science/Informatics SHARP 325 SHARP 0 credits Fall I 6 credits Course title Faculty Credits Clinical Trial Protocol SHARP 321A SHARP 2 credits Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials EPHD 321 FHS 2 credits LSS I SHARP 350A SHARP 2 credits Spring I 11 credits Course title Faculty Credits Systematic Review and meta- EPHD 328 FHS 3 credits analysis LSS II SHARP 350B SHARP 2 credits Thesis SHARP 400 SHARP 6 credits Fall II 6 credits Course title Faculty Credits Leadership and behavior in MNGT 306 OSB 3 credits organizations Advances in NCD Research SHARP 340 SHARP 2 credits Thesis SHARP 400A SHARP 0 credits Comprehensive examination SHARP 395A/395B - 0 credits Elective I 1 - - 1 credit Spring II 5 credits Course title Faculty Credits Policy and Decision Making in HMPD 318 FHS 3 credits Healthcare Elective II 1 - - 2 credits Thesis SHARP 400B SHARP 0 credits 1 MS students are required to take a total of 3 credits as electives. They may take one course for 3 credits, or two courses for 1 credit and 2 credits each.
492 Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) Course Descriptions Required Courses SHARP 300 Principles of Epidemiology 2 cr. A course in principles, concepts and application of epidemiology tools relevant to public health practice. The course consists of lectures, assigned readings and complimentary practical sessions. It will cover the basic principles of epidemiology such as disease occurrence, distribution and determinants, different epidemiologic study designs such as cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies; with applications on sources of data, indices of morbidity and mortality, measures of association, bias, confounding and interaction. Offered only in summer. Equivalent to EPHD 300. SHARP 320 Design and Analysis of Epidemiological Studies 3 cr. The course introduces elements and methodological issues related to study design, data analysis, and inference in epidemiological research. Cohort and case-control studies are the focus of discussion. Problems of exposure and disease definitions, confounding, effect modification, matching, bias, interaction, and misclassification are considered. Offered only in summer. Equivalent to EPHD 320. SHARP 310 Biostatistics 4 cr. This course is an introduction to basic statistical techniques applied to health sciences and related fields. The objectives are twofold: descriptive statistics which encompass techniques for organizing and summarizing data, and inferential statistics from estimation, to confidence interval, and testing of hypothesis. Applications include probability distribution, comparing population means (t-tests) or proportions (X2 squares) for data obtained from paired or independent samples, significance testing, sample size calculation and power, stratified and matched analyses, and oneway ANOVA. Also, it introduces simple linear regression, correlations, logistic regression and nonparametric methods for data analysis. Focus will be on problems that are commonly encountered in health services and biomedical research. Offered only in summer. Equivalent to EPHD 310. SHARP 315 Introduction to Research Ethics and RCR 1 cr. This course recaps the history of ethical principles, the development of research codes of conduct and ethical practices and familiarizes investigators and faculty members with the different kinds of ethical issues that they might come across throughout their careers; it allows scholars to reflect critically about what it means to be an ethical and responsible researcher. The course format is a mixture of didactic lectures, online training modules (CITI Responsible Conduct of Research modules), case-studies, clinical research practicums and discussions, interactive lectures that are Power Point based, small discussion groups, audios, video prompts (real footages and films), simulations (e.g. mock IRB) allowing scholars to role play followed by discussions. Offered only in summer. SHARP 325 Library Science/Informatics 0 cr. This introductory course spans two 2-hour session, and focuses on effective and efficient searching skills of bibliographic medical and health-related databases with various search options/techniques that the OVID interface allows using MeSH terms, explode functions, keyword searching in title, abstract, and subject headings, adjacency, and publication types, in
Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) 493 addition to Boolean operators and truncation using MeSH terms. MeSH is used by the indexers at National Library Medicine to describe the content of an article. These MeSH terms are also organized in a hierarchy or tree structure, and this would allow users to explode a MeSH to ensure that narrower MeSH terms are also included in the search. Training format is a mixture of demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and clinical scenarios. Offered only in summer. SHARP 330 Analysis and Reporting of Large Clinical Datasets I 2 cr. This course will put into practice the statistical analysis and other computing skills introduced to scholars in EPHD 300/ SHARP 300, EPHD 310/ SHARP 310 and SHARP 325. The training format is a mixture of demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and clinical scenarios. The course will simulate previously executed/published analyses on previously collected de-identified health research datasets. Scholars will go through the entire process experience of data handling, hypothesis-driven analysis design and culminating with the execution of statistical analysis (modeling) and presentation of results. In addition, this course will use existing datasets to familiarize scholars with commonly used health data analysis methods that are otherwise not covered in the MS/MPH curriculum. These will include survival analysis methodology, Cox regression multivariate modeling of survival data, approaches to matching of study cohorts and mathematical model simulation (predictions)/ risk modeling. Offered only in summer. SHARP 340 Advances in Non-Communicable Diseases Research 2 cr. The course is an opportunity for students to be acquainted with researchers in Lebanon active in the field, to appreciate the scope and findings of the studies conducted in Lebanon and the region, and to lead in the write-up of a research study protocol. The course will also provide an overview of the following components pertaining to each of the selected NCD topics: (1) Public health importance of the topic/its burden; (2) Epidemiology (prevalence, patterns) at the local, regional and global level; (3) Theoretical and practical methodological challenges and opportunities in the conduct of epidemiologic studies; (4) Most recent findings in NCD research conducted in Lebanon and the region; (5) Public health strategies for the prevention and control of NCD. EPHD 328 Systematic Review and Meta-analysis 3 cr. The course is structured around the steps of executing a systematic review of trials of interventions: specifying the PICO question, searching for potentially relevant articles; selecting eligible studies; abstracting data; assessing risk of bias, conducting a meta-analysis; grading the quality of evidence; and interpreting results. Weekly assignments are designed to guide students in the production of a systematic review. The final paper consists of a report of the systematic review suitable for publishing in a peer-reviewed journal. The course examines advances in Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) research and risk factors with special focus on methodological challenges and opportunities. SHARP 321A Clinical Trial Protocol 2 cr. This is an advanced course for SHARP students to clinical trials. It provides a range of topics in clinical trials which are complementary to the EPHD 320 (Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials). EPHD 321 Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials 2 cr. A course that focuses on issues in the design and organization of randomized controlled clinical trials: ethical and legal issues, patient selection, recruitment, masking and randomization, endpoint definition, protocol development and statistical analysis.
494 Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) SHARP 350 A/B Longitudinal Research Seminar Series I/II 4 cr. The Seminar Series covers a variety of topics not fully covered in other courses but key to the career development of health research investigators. It is comprised of seminars, lectures, workshops and Journal clubs organized by the collaborating schools, including the HRPP and the Research Education Unit, and by CRPH at FHS. Invited speakers from AUB or local/regional/ international institutions will cover research ethics (part of the Ethics Matters Initiative weekly seminars), NCD-research seminars, and cutting edge research on population, health and socioeconomic issues in Lebanon and the region. The seminars will also include a mock study section grant review, presentations by successful investigators at AUB or AUB Alumni, or by leadership in industry, and funding agencies. The first semester is formatted as a series of separate but related seminars, whereas in the second semester, the scholars will participate in these seminars through presentations of practicums, progress reports on their on-going projects, and seminars on special issues relating to their research projects. MNGT 306 Leadership and Behavior in Organizations 3 cr. An analytical excursion into the behavioral aspects of the modern workplace, including such processes such as leadership, communication, motivation, conflict resolution, and team building. Particular attention is accorded to leadership as a focal point of group processes and as a critical ingredient in successful organizational endeavors and transformations. HMPD 318 Policy and Decision Making in Healthcare 3 cr. A course that examines the theory and practice of policy and decision making in health care. Its purpose is to assist students in understanding the various theories, approaches, dynamics, and challenges to health policy making and analysis. It includes case studies application including health policy issues at the national, regional, and international levels. Prerequisite: HMPD 300. SHARP 395A/ Comprehensive Examination 0 cr. 395B Each student is expected to pass a comprehensive examination after completion of all required courses. Examinations may be written, oral, or both. Timing of the examination is set by the program. (See page 57 of this catalogue.) SHARP 400 Research Thesis 6 cr. This is a 6 credit Master s research course generally completed over two-three semesters after the SHARP required summer certificate program. The research thesis component of the MS Training Program will implement a mentor-scholar model. The thesis research track for the SHARP MS degree program will be flexible provided its primary focus is related to NCD. The focus would be clinical trial based, or pertaining to NCD related outcomes or clinical epidemiology, or to formulation of a health policy related to NCD. A meta-analysis is allowed as a thesis topic. A passing grade on the comprehensive exam is also required and thesis defense and document submission as required by AUB academic guidelines will be followed. In case of exceptional thesis proposals where the research work to be completed by the MS candidate is deemed more extensive than usual, the committee will consider a candidates petition, supported by thesis advisor/mentor faculty, to grant 3 additional credit hours for the thesis considered in lieu of the 3 elective course credits.
Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) 495 Electives SHARP MS students are allowed a total of 3 credits of electives that can be taken either as established offered courses at any of the following faculties: FM, FHS, OSB, FAFS, and HSON (including those listed below), or as tutorials (2-3 credits) and seminars (1 credit), provided they are post-graduate courses and are approved by the SHARP Chairperson. SHARP 331 Analysis and Reporting of Large Clinical Datasets II 2 cr. This course, in large part, takes the form of a single trainee research project on a clinical dataset that is done with direct supervision of the course coordinator/instructor and possibly SHARP investigators and mentors. Proposed research questions/projects are expected to be sufficiently novel, of clinical relevance, and well-designed and executed analyses that should have publication potential. Students are expected to submit their work in abstract form to a scientific conference, present their work internally as a seminar, and work toward a manuscript. SHARP 500 Elective in Research Ethics and RCR 1 cr. The Salim El-Hoss Bioethics and Professionalism Program. This program organizes an average of 1-2 regional two-day conferences, and two national one-day conferences each year. In addition to the LSS course, MS students have the option of this one-credit elective in Research ethics/ RCR. Students will have to attend one regional two-day conference or two national one-day conference of their choice. Topics of previous years included Controversies in Research Ethics; Public Health-an Ethical Imperative; Ethics of Organ Donation; Stem Cell Research: Current Controversies; Ethics and Medical Reliability. EPHD 324 Special Topics in Biostatistics 1-3 cr. A course that covers selected topics in biostatistics of special interest to researchers and trainees in epidemiology and population health. Prerequisite: EPHD 310 or consent of instructor. EPHD 312 Analysis of Continuous Data 3 cr. A course that deals with concepts and methods for the analysis of continuous outcomes. Main focus is on multiple linear regression. Analytical means to control for confounding and effect modification while maximizing precision is explored. The methods of regression diagnostics are explained. Basic theory is considered; however, the emphasis is on application. Applications of the statistical techniques are carried out using the statistical package SPSS. Prerequisite: EPHD 310 or consent of instructor. EPHD 313 Analysis of Categorical Data 3 cr. A course that covers univariate and multivariate statistical techniques for categorical data. Topics include distributions, measures of association and inference for categorical data, loglinear models for multicontingency tables, and logistic regression for binary, polytomous, and ordinal responses. In addition, the concept of maximum likelihood estimation is introduced. Applications of the statistical techniques are carried out using the statistical package STATA. Prerequisite: EPHD 310 or consent of instructor. HPCH 334 Qualitative Health Research 2 cr. A course in which students advance their qualitative social research methodology and methods for public health research. Students revisit the underlying paradigms and use of qualitative methodology.
496 Scholars in HeAlth Research Program (SHARP) Throughout this course students refine their interviewing skills, train on how to manage qualitative data, apply systematic data analysis, and produce a rigorous account of qualitative research findings through practical applications in Arabic and English. Prerequisite: PBHL 310 or similar research design course or consent of instructor. HMPD 300 Health Care Systems 3 cr. This course deals with all the main components, resources and functions of health care systems. It is designed for graduate students to identify organizational and health system problems and apply systems thinking in resolving them. The course also introduces graduate students to the policy making and analysis of health system issues with particular focus on Lebanon and the Middle East region. PBHL 310 Research Design 3 cr. This course discusses principles of research design and the methods used in both quantitative and qualitative social research methodologies. Topics include formulation of research questions, literature review, sampling issues, methods of data collection and analysis. Practical ethical issues are also discussed. HMPD 314 Project Management 2 cr. A course that exposes students to current project management trends, best practices, and strategies that can aid in better management of projects and programs in health care settings. BIOM 375 Principles of Learning and Assessment 2 cr. (Course offered to PhD students in Biomedical Sciences) This course provides students with the theoretical background and approaches to teaching science at the university level with emphasis on the nature of science and learner cognition. In addition, students are expected to apply principles and techniques of teaching and assessment of science in a teaching context.